Plizio Visual Lab

Kano City Walls

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The ancient Kano City Walls were a formidable defensive system built to protect the inhabitants of the city of Kano in northern Nigeria. Construction began in 1095 under the reign of Sakri Gijimasu and reached its peak in the 14th century following significant expansions. The walls originally stretched for about 14 kilometers, enclosing an area of approximately 24 square kilometers that included the Dala Hill and the central market. Built using sun-dried mud bricks and local soil, the structures reached heights of 15 meters and thicknesses of up to 12 meters at the base. The fortification system featured 15 distinct gates, each controlled by an official to manage entry and exit into the bustling Trans-Saharan trade hub. Today, while much of the structure has suffered from erosion and modern urban encroachment, the walls remain a potent symbol of the power and heritage of the Kano Emirate. They are currently listed on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list for their outstanding architectural and historical value.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	21	24	28	31	31	30	28	26	27	27	24	21
Rain mm	0	0	8	18	48	71	144	204	105	23	8	0

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Kano City Walls are largely accessible as an outdoor site, with some restored sections open for a small fee. Visitors can walk along the walls and view the ancient gates.

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Typical hours

The walls are generally accessible during daytime, with restored sections often having opening hours around 8:00 to 18:00 - but not guaranteed. It is best to plan your visit during daylight hours.

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Photography

Photography is allowed along the entire wall, with the old gates and adjacent neighborhoods making excellent subjects. Drone flights are not permitted without a permit as it is a historical area.

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Time needed

A walk along the wall sections takes about one to two hours, depending on how many gates and bastions you visit. For a thorough exploration including the museum and adjacent sites, allow half a day.

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Combine with

Combine the city walls with the Gidan Makama Museum and the Emir’s Palace, both in Kano’s old city. The Kurmi Market, one of West Africa’s oldest markets, is also worth a visit.

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Getting there

The walls run through the entire old city of Kano; the best access points are at Dala Hill and Kofar Mata Gate. From most hotels in the city center, the walls are a few minutes away by taxi or motorbike taxi.

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Insider tip

Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy the walls in a quiet atmosphere. Negotiate with local guides at the entrance - a guided tour is worth it to understand the historical details.